Opinion
No. S-17-588.
08-11-2017
STATE of Nebraska EX REL. COUNSEL FOR DISCIPLINE OF the NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT, relator, v. Richard H. HOCH, respondent.
INTRODUCTION
This case is before the court on the voluntary surrender of license filed by respondent, Richard H. Hoch, on June 5, 2017. The court accepts respondent's voluntary surrender of his license and enters a judgment of disbarment.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
Respondent was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Nebraska on July 2, 1964. On March 3, 2016, respondent filed a voluntary surrender of license to practice law, in which he stated that on August 13, 2016, he received notice from the Counsel for Discipline of an overdraft on his trust account. He admits that he misapplied client funds being held in his trust account and used them to cover office expenses, in violation of Neb. Ct. R. of Prof. Cond. § 3-501.15. Respondent stated that he freely, knowingly, and voluntarily chooses not to contest the truth of the suggested allegations made against him. He also stated that he freely, knowingly, and voluntarily surrenders his privilege to practice law in the State of Nebraska; waives his right to notice, appearance, or hearing prior to the entry of an order of disbarment; and consents to the entry of an immediate order of disbarment.
ANALYSIS
Neb. Ct. R. § 3-315 of the disciplinary rules provides in pertinent part:
(A) Once a Grievance, a Complaint, or a Formal Charge has been filed, suggested, or indicated against a member, the member may voluntarily surrender his or her license.
(1) The voluntary surrender of license shall state in writing that the member knowingly admits or knowingly does not challenge or contest the truth of the suggested or indicated Grievance, Complaint, or Formal Charge and waives all proceedings against him or her in connection therewith.
Pursuant to § 3-315 of the disciplinary rules, we find that respondent has voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law and knowingly does not challenge or contest the truth of the suggested allegations made against him. Further, respondent has waived all proceedings against him in connection therewith. We further find that respondent has consented to the entry of an order of disbarment.
CONCLUSION
Upon due consideration of the court file in this matter, the court finds that respondent has stated that he freely, knowingly, and voluntarily admits that he does not contest the suggested allegations being made against him. The court accepts respondent's voluntary surrender of his license to practice law, finds that respondent should be disbarred, and hereby orders him disbarred from the practice of law in the State of Nebraska, effective immediately. Respondent shall forthwith comply with all terms of Neb. Ct. R. § 3-316 (rev. 2014) of the disciplinary rules, and upon failure to do so, he shall be subject to punishment for contempt of this court. Accordingly, respondent is directed to pay costs and expenses in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 7-114 and 7-115 (Reissue 2012) and Neb. Ct. R. §§ 3-310(P) (rev. 2014) and 3-323 of the disciplinary rules within 60 days after an order imposing costs and expenses, if any, is entered by the court.
JUDGMENT OF DISBARMENT .
Kelch and Funke, JJ., not participating.